GEOG 151

Introduction to Cultural Geography

Fall 2014 (CRN 19805)
Lecture: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10-10:45am in Lecture Center E101
Each student is also assigned one discussion section per week

Updated August 5, 2014
Instructor:
Kimberly P. Garza
Email: kgarza4@uic.edu Emails will be returned within 24-48 hours.
Office: BSB 2110C
Office hours: MW: 11:00 am - Noon; or by appointment.

To ensure that your email does not end up in my or your TAs junk email, please use this on the
subject line: Last name, Geog 151. If you ask a question that is easily answered by reviewing
the syllabus, you will receive an answer of Please see the syllabus.

Teaching Assistants:
Katerina Psimogiannou Kevin Suemnicht
Office Location: BSB 3107

Discussion sections
Day Time Location Section TA
Mon 12-12:50 PM AH 307 19809
Tues 2-2:50 PM TH 207 19806
Wed 12-12:50 PM EPASW 2219 19810
Wed 1-1:50 PM EPASW 2217 19813

Course Summary
The purpose of a geography course is to learn where places are located on the earths surface and
why. In a human geography course, we are not only looking at the places, but also at how people,
cultures, cities, buildings, industries and agricultural practices shape and change the world.
Additionally, we will look at how the migrations of people and the diffusion of cultural traits and
ideas impact the world in which we live.

Maps are more than a spatial perspective of the world. Maps are used to portray the distinctive
character of places; their relationship to environmental issues; the movement of people, goods,
and ideas; and regions of various types. As a part of this course, we will also use maps as a part
of our learning about the world.

This course also uses video, film, popular media and newspapers to get to know the people and
places we examine in the best way possible.

GOALS: On successful completion of the course, students will have developed skills enabling
them to:
Use and think about maps and spatial data. Maps and spatial data are fundamental to
the discipline of geography. Students will learn how to use maps and spatial data to pose
GEOG 151: Introduction to Cultural Geography
Fall 2014 Syllabus

Updated August 5, 2014 2
and solve problems, to analyze spatial information, and to think critically about what is
revealed in different types of maps.
Understand and interpret the implications of associations among occurrences in
places. Students will learn not just to recognize and interpret spatial patterns but to assess
the nature and significance of the relationships among phenomena that occur in the same
place, and to understand how tastes and values, political regulations, and economic
constraints work together to create types of cultural landscapes.
Recognize and interpret at different scales the relationships among patterns and
processes. Geographical analysis requires a sensitivity to scale as a framework for
understanding how events and processes at different scales influence one another.
Students should understand that phenomena they are studying at the local scale may well
be influenced by developments regionally, nationally, or globally.
Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process. Geography is concerned not
simply with describing patterns but with analyzing how they came about and what they
mean. Students should be seeing regions as objects of analysis and exploration and move
beyond simply locating and describing regions to consider how and why they come into
being and what they reveal about the changing character of the world in which we live.
Characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places. At the heart of a
geographical perspective is a concern with the ways in which events and processes
operating in one place can influence those operating in other places. Students should view
places and patterns not in isolation but in terms of their spatial and functional relationship
with other places and patterns.

Textbook Required:
1. Rubenstein, James M. Contemporary Human Geography. 2
nd
edition Prentice Hall (Pearson),
2013. ISBN: 013387916X
2. Online access to the Mastering Geography website (included in purchase of the book or can be
purchased independently.
3. Other readings will be made available via Blackboard
*Purchase of a new textbook includes access to the Mastering Geography website which is required.
**Access to the website can be purchased separately for $38.50 through the Pearson website accessible
via Blackboard.

Earning Your Grade
If you receive a grade below 70% on any assignment, you are required to meet with your TA.
Your grade will be determined by the total number of points out of 600 that you earn for
yourself in six major categories.


GEOG 151: Introduction to Cultural Geography
Fall 2014 Syllabus

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Grade Components
Points Date
Discussion Participation 104 (8pts per week) Weekly
Online Map Quizzes 216 (18 pts. per 12 weeks) Weekly
Globalization Assignment 20 September 17
Exam 1 50 October 3
Exam 2 50 October 31
Exam 3 50 December 5
Family Migration Project 50 November 12
Total 540
Total possible points: 540 (A: 540-490 / B: 489-435 / C: 434-380 / D: 379-325 / F: 324 and below)
*Note that Exams constitute less than half of your grade: you need to do well in discussion and on the
online portion to do well in this course!*
1. Discussion Participation (104 points): Your TA will take attendance and track participation
in discussion sections. You will receive up to 8 points per week for participating in
discussion, including turning in assignments. Each week you will be responsible for turning
in a response paper of one page or less on the readings for the week. This paper will cover
three points:
a. Yes! What is one point the author(s) made with which you agree? Why?
b. No! What is one point the author(s) made with which you disagree? Why?
c. Hmmmm! What is one point the author(s) made that makes you think? Why?
If you miss more than one discussion, your attendance grade will be negatively affected (be
wise: reserve your free absence for personal or medical emergencies). If you have zero
absences for the semester, you will receive two extra points for participation.
2. Globalization Assignment (20 points) Due September 17 in lecture: To better
understand how small our world really is you will be completing a short assignment to
contextualize the concepts we will be talking about this semester. Details of the assignment
are on Blackboard. This assignment is due in hard copy at the end of lecture on September
17. No electronic copies will be accepted.
3. Map Quizzes (216 points): This is a geography class and therefore important that you
become familiar with the places of the world and where these places are located around the
globe. Therefore, each week (starting with Week 3) you will be responsible for taking two
quizzes online by going to masteringgeography.com.
4. Exams (150 points) Three (50 question) exams (multiple choice, matching, map labelling,
true/false) will cover material from lecture, discussion, videos, and assignments.
a. Wording on exams will not be identical to the material presented, so you will need to
learn conceptually. While simple memorization is necessary, it will probably not be
enough for the exams.
GEOG 151: Introduction to Cultural Geography
Fall 2014 Syllabus

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b. Exams are open note and open book, but due to time constraints you will need to know
the material to do well on the exams.
c. Cheating, grade manipulation or someone else taking your exam for you, is absolutely
not tolerated.
d. There will be no make-ups for quizzes or activities except under the following two
conditions:
1. A documented medical or personal emergency or
2. Major religious observances that necessitate absence from class (see Policy 5 below).
5. Family Migration Project (50 points) Due November 12 on Blackboard
a. Assignment details are posted on blackboard.
b. Your paper must be uploaded to SafeAssign on Blackboard in order to receive grade.
c. Your paper must be original work, created by you and not previously used for another
class or a previous iteration of this class. Plagiarized work will result in a zero and may
result in an F in the class.
d. Assignments posted after assigned time will be deducted 5 points per day late.
e. Assignments late by four days or more will receive a zero.
f. Students who have difficulty with writing are encouraged to consult The Writing Center,
Grant Hall 105, 312-412-2206, http://www.uic.edu/depts/engl/writing/

POLICIES
1. Academic Disruption: Academic disruption is defined as Conduct that prevents, limits,
creates hazards for, or impairs the teaching, research, public service, community,
professional, athletic, organizational, administrative, clinical, academic, and/or ordinary
business of students, faculty, and staff. Policies regarding disruption are covered in the
University catalogue and the Student Code of Conduct. We will follow these policies.
2. Cultural Etiquette: This course is designed to expose students to the varieties of cultural
forms in the world, some of which may contradict ones own beliefs and value systems. This
course is not intended to endorse or indoctrinate such ways of life, but only attempts to
explore plausible reasons for their existence. It is common to feel uncomfortable when
exposed to an aspect of life unfamiliar to ones own, and at times you may disagree with the
behaviors of people portrayed. However, we enter this course with a desire to understand and
promote communication with people from other cultural backgrounds with the ultimate goal
of generating mutual respect.
3. Technology Etiquette: All cell phones and other electronic devices must be stowed for the
duration of all class meetings. You should consider yourself unavailable during this time.
Text messaging, instant messaging, cell phone use, etc. during class meetings is extremely
unprofessional, distracting, and disrespectful to your classmates, your instructor, and your
own educational pursuit. Likewise, computers may be used for note taking only. Email,
Facebook, games, videos, instant messaging, etc. are prohibited.

4. Lateness & Leaving early: As a courtesy to the instructor and fellow students do not disrupt
the class by arriving late or leaving early. Please give advance notice should you need to
arrive late or leave early for some reason and does so quietly.
5. Religious Holidays: Students who intend to observe religious holidays, please notify me and
your TA by September 5.
GEOG 151: Introduction to Cultural Geography
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6. Lecture Notes: It is your responsibility to take notes during class and notes will not be
provided by me or your TA for any reason. Get to know your peers!
7. Extra Credit: There will be none. You have the opportunity to fix your grade as you go
along, be sure to track your performance and get help before it is too late.
8. Syllabus: The syllabus and course outline are tentative. I reserve the right to make changes
to all documents. You are responsible for tracking the changes which will be announced at
lecture and/or discussion. Documents will be updated accordingly and reposted to
Blackboard.
9. For basic logistics of the course: First consult your peers, second contact your TA, and, of
course if you are still stuck, I am third in line to help.
10. Grading Philosophy & System: I do not give you a grade, you earn it. Your grade is your
responsibility. The only reason to change a grade is if there was a mistake in grading. Any
questions about grading must first be provided to your TA in writing (not by email if you
send an email, do not expect a reply) within the one week of receiving the grade or the
return of your work. If necessary this will be discussed. The following are not legitimate
reasons to request a grade change: 1. you need a higher grade or you will fail to graduate,
lose a scholarship or lose athletic eligibility, or 2. you are only a point shy of the next higher
grade. Each time this argument is accepted then others are just shy as well.
11. Blackboard & Email: Important course information is posted on Blackboard. Check
Blackboard daily; this is the primary way for me to communicate with all of you. All emails
related to this course must be sent from a UIC email address. All registered UIC students
automatically have access to this service. If you have not already created a Net ID and
password, you will be instructed to do so when you log at: https://uic.blackboard.com/
12. Accommodations: Those students who require accommodations for access and participation
in this course must be registered with the Disability Resource Center. Any student with a
disability documented with the Office of Student Disability Services who may need an
accommodation based on the impact of a disability, should meet with me and your TA
privately during the first week of class to discuss accommodations. A letter from the Office
of Student Disability Services must accompany your request. It is the students responsibility
to contact the Office of Student Disability Services to document disabilities and coordinate
reasonable accommodations. The Office of Student Disability Services is located in SSB
1190 (1200 W. Harrison St.) and can be reached by phone at (312) 413-2183, Video Phone
(312) 957-4822 or Fax (312) 413-7781. Video Relay Service (312)- 957-4822. The DRC
website is: http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/disability_resources/index.html
13. Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty is an offense against the University and
instructors are obligated to report any incident to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to): cheating or assisting someone else in
academic dishonesty, plagiarism, unauthorized possession of class materials (e.g., tests,
reserve materials), and unauthorized changing of one's grade.
Students are encouraged to consult their instructor on rules for proper citation, or website
sources such as
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/learn/handouts/researchprocess.html#citing%20sources.

GEOG 151: Introduction to Cultural Geography
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Two excellent sources which define plagiarism and how to avoid it may be found at:
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml and
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/.

Students are also strongly encouraged to review UIC's Guidelines on Academic Integrity at:
http://www.vcsa.uic.edu/MainSite/departments/dean_of_students/Our+Services/Student+Judi
cial+Affairs.htm.


Important Dates
Date
Labor Day No Lecture or Discussion September 1
Last Day to Drop without a W
Also last day to notify TA of religious holiday observation
September 5
Globalization Assignment September 17
Exam 1 October 3
Exam 2 October 31
Family Migration Project November 12
No Discussions November 24-28
Thanksgiving No Lecture November 28
Exam 3 December 5




GEOG 151: Introduction to Cultural Geography
Fall 2014 Syllabus

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Lecture, Discussion and Homework Schedule

Week 1 I ntroduction August 25-29
Readings: Textbook Chapter 1
In Katrinas Mess, Maps as Good as LifeSavers Dallas Morning News
The Great Human Migration Guy Gugliotta

Week 2 Population and Global Health September 1-5
NO CLASS Monday, September 1 for Labor Day
Readings: Textbook Chapter 2
Malthus on Population Thomas Malthus
Ebolas Deadly Spread in Africa Driven by Public Health Failures,
Cultural Beliefs National Geographic 2014

Week 3 Migration September 8-12
Geographic Focus: North America
Online Quizzes: North America Place Names and Migration
Readings: Textbook Chapter 3
What Were Getting Wrong About the Migration Debate CNN 2014
TBD

Week 4 Culture September 15-19
Geographic Focus: Latin America
Online Quizzes: Latin America Place Names and Encountering Folk and Popular Places
Readings: Textbook Chapter 4
In 2000 years, Will the World Remember Disney or Plato? Christian
Science Monitor 2004
Prime Directive For the Last Americans Claudio Angelo 2007
You are What You Tweet The New Yorker 2014

Week 5 Language September 22-26
Geographic Focus: The Caribbean
Online Quizzes: Caribbean Place Names and Global Language Patterns
Readings: Textbook Chapter 5
Excerpts from Wisdom Sits in Places Keith Basso 1996
Protecting the Heritage Languages of T&T Trinidad Express
Newspaper 2014


GEOG 151: Introduction to Cultural Geography
Fall 2014 Syllabus

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Week 6 Religion September 29-October 3
Geographic Focus: Sub-Saharan Africa
Online Quizzes: Sub-Saharan Africa Place Names and Religion World Patterns
Readings: Textbook Chapter 6
Dangerous Liaisons Jeff Sharlet
A New Generation Confronts the Culture War and Shrugs Daniel Cox
NO LECTURE, Friday, October 3
EXAM ONE Available online Friday at 8am Sunday 11:59pm

Week 7 Ethnicity October 6-10
Geographic Focus: The Russian Domain
Online Quizzes: Russian Domain Place Names and Ethnic Nationalism
Readings: Textbook Chapter 7
Heritage Reclaimed Stephen Kinzer 2010
What is Race?, Sorting People, and Me, My Race and I activities
on the website: Race: The Power of an Illusion
http://www.pbs.org/race/

Week 8: Political Geography October 13-17
Geographic Focus: Europe
Online Quizzes: Europe Place Names and Thinking Spatially and Data Analysis - Europe
Readings: Textbook Chapter 8
Mapping the Future of Countries Parag Khanna 2009
Human Cargo Carolyn Nordstrom 2007

Week 9 Progress and Development October 20-24
Geographic Focus: Southwest Asia and North Africa
Online Quizzes: Southwest Asia and North Africa Place Names and Health
Readings: Textbook Chapter 9
Explore El Monte Museum site -
http://americanhistory.si.edu/sweatshops/elmonte/elmonte.htm
How Fair Trade Went From a Crazy Coffee Concept to a Global
Sustainability Trend Catherine Clifford 2014

Week 10 Progress and Development October 27-31
Geographic Focus: Central Asia
Online Quizzes: Central Asia Place Names and Development Indicators
Movie and Discussion: Black Gold
Readings: Finish Chapter 9 and Study for Exam
NO LECTURE, Friday, October 31
EXAM TWO Available online Friday at 8am Sunday 11:59pm

GEOG 151: Introduction to Cultural Geography
Fall 2014 Syllabus

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Week 11 Agriculture November 3-7
Geographic Focus: East Asia
Online Quizzes: East Asia Place Names and Population Distribution and Agriculture
Readings: Textbook Chapter 10
Teach Every Child About Food Jamie Oliver Ted Talk
http://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver
Why We Will Need Genetically Modified Foods David Rotman 2013
Genetic Engineering and the Privatization of Seeds Mittal and Rosset
2001

Week 12 I ndustry November 10-14
Geographic Focus: South Asia
Online Quizzes: South Asia Place Names and the Spatial Evolution of Industry
Readings: Textbook Chapter 11
Great Wal-Mart of China Keith Naughton 2006
The Book of Jobs Joseph E. Stiglitz 2012
Assignment: FAMILY MIGRATION PROJECT DUE ON BLACKBOARD BY
11:59PM, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER, 12.

Week 13 Cities and Urban Patterns November 17-21
Geographic Focus: Southeast Asia
Online Quizzes: Southeast Asia Place Names and Megacities
Readings: Textbook Chapter 12 and 13
Video: Good Fortune PBS Newshour -
http://film.economist.com/film/good-fortune
Gentrification and its Discontents: Notes from New Orleans Richard
Campanela 2013

Week 14 Resources November 24-28
Geographic Focus: Australia and Oceania
Online Quizzes: Australia and Oceania Place Names and Global Fresh Water Sources
Readings: Textbook Chapter 14
Flow: For the Love of Water Discussion and Screening
NO DISCUSSION SECTIONS THIS WEEK and NO LECTURE
November 28 Happy Thanksgiving!

Week 15 The Geography of Bliss December 1-5
Readings: Forthcoming
NO LECTURE, Friday, December 5
EXAM THREE Available online Friday at 8am Sunday 11:59pm